UK to put forward 'fewer and fitter' places for future UNESCO World Heritage Site designation

22 January 2010

A competition to find more cultural and natural heritage places of global importance, which are fit to become future UK World Heritage Sites, was launched today by Culture Minister Margaret Hodge. In future the Government will put forward fewer sites for consideration by UNESCO, with a streamlined application system to help ensure success.

“Scotland’s outstanding cultural and natural heritage attracts many millions of visitors each year, with several of our iconic landmarks celebrated on the world stage. As a country we have five designated UNESCO world heritage sites, ranging from the unique built environment of Edinburgh’s Old and New Town through to the outstanding beauty of St. Kilda. We welcome this new process which will allow sites on the current tentative list, as well as new sites, the opportunity to apply against appropriate criteria. This will ensure qualified sites have the opportunity to be recognised and put forward for consideration.”